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St. Paul Man Shares Home Surveillance Tips

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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — On Christmas, WCCO-TV shared the story of a man who brought the theme of the popular movie “Home Alone” to life. Now, that man is sharing tips to set up your own home surveillance system — for cheap.

The St. Paul man caught two crooks on camera burglarizing his home. While the bad guys haven’t been caught yet, Soua Vang says he’s confident his surveillance video will lead to their arrest.

Ever since our story, Vang’s been busy with requests to teach friends and family how to protect their home. So, Vang shared with WCCO-TV four easy steps that cost less than $100 and says it’s easier than you may think.

“I was able to figure it out, so I think everybody else should figure it out, too,” Vang said. “Don’t hesitate, don’t think about it, just do it.”

In fact, Vang still keeps an eye on his in-home camera via live feed.

If you’re interested in doing a little spying, Vang says all you need to buy is a $90 wireless camera at any electronics store.

“Screw the antenna in, and this is a network cable you just plug it into the back of your router. That’s it,” Vang said.

Step two: set up the software that comes in the box.

“It pulls up that icon, and there’s an IP address, and just double click it and it takes you right in,” Vang said.

The next step is to go wireless. Find your wireless network, put in your password and submit.

The last optional step involves installing “Blue Iris” recording software using your IP address. This way, you can keep a recording log of any activity going on in your home.

Vang says he hopes his simple solution will save others from the heartache he and his wife experienced.

“I’ve got ‘em set up at my brother’s house: four of ‘em last night, two of ‘em this morning for myself, and then two today,” Vang said.

Vang set up the cameras after his neighbor’s place was broken into last month. He captured this:

(credit: Soua and Nikki)

If you recognize the two burglars or have any information, call St. Paul Police at 651-291-1111.